Saotomeandprincipe in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Saotomeandprincipe

27°C (81°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

195 mm (7.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak whale watching season - humpback whales migrate through waters between July-December with highest sighting rates (85-90%) occurring in December along the western coast from Neves to São João dos Angolares
Sea turtle nesting season reaches its climax - leatherback and olive ridley turtles nest on Praia Jalé, Praia Piscina, and northern beaches with guided night tours available through MARAPA conservation program
Optimal diving conditions with 20-25m (65-82 ft) visibility and calm seas - water temperature holds steady at 26-27°C (79-81°F) making this ideal for exploring volcanic underwater formations around Ilhéu das Rolas
Peak cacao harvest season allows visitors to participate in traditional roasting and processing at working roças (plantations) like Monte Café and Agostinho Neto, with fresh chocolate tastings impossible other times of year

Considerations

December marks the start of gravana (rainy season) with afternoon thunderstorms lasting 45-90 minutes occurring 10 days per month, disrupting outdoor activities between 2-5pm daily
Higher accommodation prices during European winter holidays - rates increase 30-40% from December 15-January 5 as this coincides with peak international visitor season
Limited inter-island transport to Príncipe with TAP Air twice-weekly flights often fully booked, requiring reservations 6-8 weeks in advance for December travel

Best Activities in December

Humpback Whale Watching Expeditions

December offers the absolute best whale watching of the year with 85-90% success rates. Morning trips (7-10am) avoid afternoon storms and provide calm seas. Whales migrate close to shore along the western coast, with mothers and calves frequently spotted. The 70% humidity and warm temperatures make boat trips comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through certified operators. Tours typically cost 600,000-900,000 STD ($28-42). Morning departures essential to avoid afternoon storms. Look for operators with marine biologist guides and hydrophones for underwater whale sounds.

Sea Turtle Nesting Tours

December represents peak nesting season for leatherback and olive ridley turtles. Night tours between 8pm-midnight offer 70-80% turtle encounter rates. The warm 23°C (73°F) evening temperatures make 2-3 hour beach walks comfortable. Rain rarely occurs after sunset, making December ideal for this experience.

Booking Tip: Reserve through MARAPA conservation program or certified eco-guides 10-14 days ahead. Tours cost 400,000-600,000 STD ($18-28). Bring red-filtered flashlight and wear dark clothing. Groups limited to 6 people per guide to minimize disturbance.

Volcanic Peak Hiking and Cloud Forest Exploration

December's afternoon rains create spectacular cloud formations around Pico de Saotome (2,024m/6,640ft) and Pico Cão Grande. Early morning starts (5:30am) allow completing hikes before daily storms. The humidity creates lush vegetation and active waterfalls. Cloud forest trails showcase endemic species best viewed in December's moist conditions.

Booking Tip: Book certified mountain guides 1-2 weeks ahead. Full-day climbs cost 800,000-1,200,000 STD ($37-56). Requires good fitness level - 6-8 hour commitment. Porters available for 200,000 STD ($9) extra. Start before sunrise to avoid afternoon weather.

Roça Heritage Tours with Cacao Harvest Participation

December cacao harvest allows hands-on participation in traditional processing methods passed down since colonial times. Morning tours (8am-12pm) showcase picking, fermenting, and roasting techniques. The 27°C (81°F) temperatures and occasional rain create optimal drying conditions for beans, making this the only time to see complete chocolate production cycle.

Booking Tip: Contact roças directly or book through cultural tour operators 7-10 days ahead. Tours typically cost 300,000-500,000 STD ($14-23) including lunch and chocolate tastings. Look for working plantations like Monte Café or Água Izé rather than tourist-only operations.

Príncipe Island Multi-Day Expeditions

December's calmer seas improve boat transfers to Príncipe, though flights remain preferred option. The island's UNESCO Biosphere status showcases endemic bird species most active during December's breeding season. Cooler mornings and minimal tourist presence create optimal wildlife photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book flights 6-8 weeks ahead as TAP Air operates limited December schedule. Multi-day packages cost $180-280 per day including accommodation and meals. Work with Príncipe-based operators for better access to restricted areas and endemic species viewing.

Underwater Volcanic Formation Diving

December offers year's best diving conditions with 20-25m (65-82 ft) visibility and minimal current. Water temperature of 26-27°C (79-81°F) allows comfortable diving without thick wetsuits. Volcanic underwater formations around Ilhéu das Rolas and southern coast showcase unique geological features and endemic marine species.

Booking Tip: Book with PADI-certified operators 10-14 days ahead. Two-tank dives cost 700,000-1,000,000 STD ($32-46). Equipment rental available but bring your own mask for better fit. December's calm seas allow access to advanced dive sites typically off-limits other months.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Festa de São Nicolau

Traditional fishing community celebration honoring patron saint with boat processions, traditional dancing, and fresh fish feasts. Particularly busy in coastal villages like Neves and Santana with local participation encouraged.

Mid to Late December

Auto de Floripes

Traditional dance-drama performances combining Portuguese colonial and African influences. Performed in various communities throughout December culminating in elaborate Christmas season presentations in Saotome city center.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable and slow to dry during frequent rain showers

Waterproof daypack cover - afternoon storms arrive suddenly and last 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water intensifies exposure during whale watching and diving

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - December storms bring driving rain requiring more protection than basic poncho

Breathable hiking boots - terrain includes volcanic rock, muddy forest trails, and stream crossings requiring ankle support and grip

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - increased mosquito activity during rainy season, particularly important for evening turtle tours

Red-filtered headlamp - essential for turtle nesting tours to avoid disturbing wildlife, regular white lights prohibited on beaches

Dry bags for electronics - high humidity and sudden rain threaten cameras and phones, especially during boat trips and hikes

Long-sleeve UV protection shirts - for boat trips where shade is limited and sun reflection from water increases burn risk

Lightweight binoculars - whale watching and bird species viewing enhanced by 8x25 or 8x32 compact models suitable for boat use

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before November 1st - December prices jump 30-40% after mid-month when European holiday visitors arrive, with limited rooms available in boutique properties

Schedule outdoor activities for 7am-1pm window - afternoon storms hit predictably between 2-5pm making morning timing crucial for hikes, whale watching, and cultural tours

Bring cash in euros - ATMs frequently empty during December tourist season and card readers unreliable outside Saotome city, with money changers offering better rates than hotels

Download offline maps before arrival - cellular coverage spotty outside main areas and GPS essential for reaching remote beaches, roças, and hiking trailheads without local guides

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking whale watching tours after 11am - afternoon storms and increased wave activity significantly reduce sighting success rates and passenger comfort

Arriving without confirmed inter-island transport - December flights to Príncipe book solid 6-8 weeks ahead, leaving visitors stranded on Saotome or paying premium charter rates

Packing only cotton clothing - 70% humidity and frequent rain makes cotton uncomfortable and impractical, synthetic fabrics essential for comfort and quick drying